“I don’t.” Caleb turned to Fredrick and said, “I have the information that Greydon requested about Lord Drycott.”
Fredrick leaned forward in his seat. “What did you discover?” he asked in a hushed voice.
“Lord Drycott’s finances are in dire straits. If he doesn’t build this factory like he promised his investors, then he will lose everything,” Caleb shared.
“How exactly did you discover this?” Harred asked.
Caleb shrugged. “Would you believe me if I said I asked his solicitor nicely?”
“No,” Harred replied.
“Then it is best if you don’t know,” Caleb said. “Just trust me when I tell you that Lord Drycott’s situation makes him dangerous. The factories that he owns now are no better than workhouses. People die, but no one questions their deaths. They are just taken out and buried.”
Fredrick grew solemn, his brows knitted. “Do you know what kind of factory that Lord Drycott intends to build?”
“The plans that were submitted did not specify, but I would guess it is nothing more than just slave labor,” Caleb replied.
“We have to do something to stop Lord Drycott,” Harred said.
“You are doing just that by pushing through your bill,” Caleb insisted. “Do not give up, and do not let Lord Drycott intimidate you to withdraw your bill.”
“I have no intention of backing down,” Harred responded.
Caleb bobbed his head in approval. “Good, but be cautious. Lord Drycott is not a man that you want to trifle with and it is entirely possible that he is behind the attempts on your life.”
A server approached the table and asked, “Can I get anyone something to drink?”
“Nothing for me,” Fredrick responded.
Harred pointed at Caleb’s glass and said, “I will have what he is having.”
After the server walked off to do his bidding, Caleb shoved back his chair and rose. “I should depart. I have work that I need to see to.”
“Does this work include visiting the rookeries again?” Fredrick pried.
Caleb didn’t appear to have any reservations as he replied, “I’m afraid that is the only place where I can get the answers that I seek.”
Harred wasn’t sure what Caleb was involved in, but it sounded dangerous. And he was concerned. The rookeries were not a place that any respectable gentleman should ever go to. But as he went to express his opinion, Caleb walked off without another word.
Fredrick’s eyes followed Caleb’s retreating figure. “Perhaps I should go after him.”
“And do what?” Harred asked. “Caleb has no business being in the rookeries and neither do you.”
“Caleb doesn’t seem like himself right now,” Fredrick mused. “He seems bogged down with worry.”
The server approached and placed a drink in front of Harred. “Will there be anything else, my lord?”
“No, thank you,” Harred replied as he reached for his glass.
Fredrick shifted towards him and said, “Your brother just walked in.”
Harred’s eyes shot towards the door and met his brother’s piercing gaze. “What now?” he muttered under his breath.
William advanced towards them, skirting the other tables, all while keeping a hawk-like gaze on Harred. If his brother was here to try to intimidate him, it would not work. But he was worried that William might make a scene, making the situation even worse.
His brother came to a stop next to the table and asked, “May I sit down?”
Harred studied his brother, wondering what kind of game he was playing. “You may,” he finally replied.
